Go Back
–+ servings
A close-up of a bowl of white rice topped with seasoned ground beef and chopped green onions, a quick ground beef recipe.

Ground Beef Recipes in 20 Minutes (Weeknight Win)

This ground beef stir-fry is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. It uses simple ingredients and comes together in under 20 minutes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Calories: 370
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Sauce
  • 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce or a gluten-free alternative
  • 1 tablespoon honey or a liquid sugar-free sweetener
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Stir-fry
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 1 pound lean ground beef 85/15
  • 1 tablespoon fresh garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger root minced
To finish the dish
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1/4 cup green onions green parts only, thinly sliced

Equipment

  • Small bowl
  • Large skillet

Method
 

  1. In a small bowl, prepare the sauce by whisking together the soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, and red pepper flakes. Set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the beef and cook, stirring, until no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles as you cook, about 5 minutes.
  4. Drain the beef and return it to the skillet. Add the garlic and ginger and cook, stirring, for 1 minute.
  5. Stir the sauce into the beef. Cook for 2 more minutes, until heated through and the sauce thickens.
  6. Off heat, drizzle the dish with sesame oil, sprinkle it with sliced green onions, and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 370kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 22gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 8gSodium: 651mgFiber: 0.3gSugar: 4g

Notes

Use lean ground beef (85% lean and 15% fat) for best flavor and texture. Toasted sesame oil is essential for flavor; do not substitute refined sesame oil. If using a sugar-free sweetener, each serving has 3 grams of carbs. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or frozen for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!